Monkeys And Humans Use Parallel Mechanism To Recognize Faces
Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 13:22
in Psychology & Sociology
Researchers have demonstrated for the first time rhesus monkeys and humans share a specific perceptual mechanism, configural perception, for discriminating among the numerous faces they encounter daily. The study provides insight into the evolution of the critical human social skill of facial recognition, which enables us to form relationships and interact appropriately with others. This study with rhesus monkeys suggests the human ability to distinguish faces is 30+ million years old.